Andy Robertson has received a touching letter from Diogo Jota's wife, Rute Cardoso, who said he will be carrying her late husband's dream as he prepares to lead Scotland at the World Cup. The two former Liverpool players shared a close bond, and Jota's sudden death last summer deeply affected those around him.
Robertson was present at Jota's wedding just 11 days before his passing, and the Scotland captain has been one of the most affected by the loss. During Scotland's World Cup qualifying win over Denmark, Robertson was seen in tears on the Hampden Park pitch.
In a letter for FIFA's 'Letters That Unite' series, Cardoso wrote: 'Diogo often spoke of you, of the friendship you built... The FIFA World Cup was one of those dreams. When you step onto the pitch, I know it won't be just you walking out. Diogo will be with you in your thoughts, in your steps, in your heart.'
Robertson, who recently left Liverpool for Tottenham, responded by recalling how the last World Cup brought him and Jota closer. 'The last World Cup was when me and Jots really became close... I'm just gutted that it was taken away from him. But obviously I'll carry him in my heart,' he said.
Scotland begin their World Cup campaign against Haiti. Robertson added: 'I'm not only just playing for me, I'm playing for both of us.' The full-back's emotional response highlights the enduring impact of Jota's friendship.
